The Philippine Navy (PN) deployed its naval assets and personnel in Caraga (Region 13) for aerial inspections and humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR) missions in the immediate aftermath of typhoon “Odette,” it said Sunday, Dec. 19.
The team, through the Naval Forces Eastern Mindanao, conducted initial flights over Dinagat Island and Siargao in Caraga (Region 13) last Friday to assess the condition of affected communities, seaports, and airports.
Drone shots provided by the PN showed many houses were destroyed while trees were also toppled in San Jose, Dinagat.
Even the Lipata Port in Surigao City was also not spared by the typhoon after its roof was destroyed by the strong wind brought by Odette.
There was also widespread flooding in Agusan Del Norte while two sea vessels ran aground near Tubay town due to the rough sea conditions at the height of the bad weather.
Seaside communities near Dapa Channel in Surigao del Norte also bore the brunt of the typhoon.
Meanwhile, patrol crafts BRP Hilario Ruiz (PC378) and BRP Rafael Pargas (PC379) sailed to bring 100 food packs with four liters of water each and 10 boxes of bottled water in Surigao City.
“The said contingent will also establish an advance command post in Surigao City for control and organization of the Navy’s HADR efforts in the area,” said Commander Benjo Negranza, PN spokesperson.
The personnel of the patrol crafts also repaired a charging station at the Dinagat Port so residents and locally stranded individuals (LSIs) can charge their mobile devices and contact their families.
Some of the affected residents were allowed by the crew to charge their phones onboard the Navy ships.
It then ferried 26 LSIs who were bound for Nasipit, Agusan del Norte.